If you’re unemployed, you likely have ample time in your day to search for a job. Even still, this is no reason for you to spend that time on strategies that aren’t going to help your job search. Landing a job is a time-sensitive matter, so it’s important to work quickly and tactfully. Here are some things you shouldn’t do:

1. Don’t Apply for Everything

Sure, showering online application systems with your resume is pretty easy, and something should catch eventually, right? Maybe…the issue with indiscriminately applying to jobs, however, is that you really are wasting your time on opportunities that won’t come to fruition, as well as wasting the time of the hiring manager who is scanning applications. What you should be doing is focusing on applying to jobs that you are qualified for, and putting together more thoughtful applications for these.

2. Don’t Get Attached to One Particular Job

On the flip side, it’s also important not to get too attached to one position in particular. You may think you have found your dream job, and therefore begin devoting all of your time and attention toward putting together your materials for it. But if it doesn’t pan out you’ll be stuck behind on everything else. Don’t risk falling under the spell of one incredible job – spend a little extra time on your application and preparation for this particular position, but don’t let the rest of your job search fall by the wayside.

3. Don’t Constantly Re-Write Your Cover Letter

While it’s important not to send a generic cover letter out to companies you are applying to, you also shouldn’t waste your time crafting a new letter for each and every position you’re interested in. Instead, create a few good templates that only require you to change a paragraph or so for each job.

4. Don’t Constantly Revise Your Resume

Again, it’s a waste of time to switch your resume around for each job prospect that presents itself. Here, too, it’s helpful to save a few different copies that you can choose from, instead of carefully scrutinizing and tweaking your CV every single time.

5. Don’t Get Sidetracked on the Internet

The problem with searching for jobs online, especially when you are networking on sites like LinkedIn or Facebook, is that you can so easily get distracted. Set ground rules for yourself and consider setting up a special email account for your career search so that personal emails don’t sidetrack you.

6. Don’t Apply to Every Job Available

Some people think that they’re best chance at getting a job is to apply to every job they find online…literally every job, whether they are remotely qualified or not. It may seem like playing the numbers is a good bet, but in reality, trying to carpet bomb the internet with your resume won’t result in any interviews.

7. Don’t Stand Inline at a Job Fair

While some types of job fairs, like company specific or college job fairs can be worthwhile, you should avoid the mega-job-fairs typically held in arena, event or conference centers. In situations like these, you’ll spend so much time traveling and waiting in line, its simply not worth the time.

8. Don’t Pay a Headhunter

Real headhunters are paid by companies to fill positions. Unfortunately there are many former or want-to-be headhunters that can’t find work with companies, and instead advertise their services to individuals. These people don’t have access to any jobs you couldn’t find yourself.

9. Don’t Get Useless Certifications

Some people think if they get an obscure certification, it will make them look unique to employers. Unfortunately most employers don’t care about your certifications if they aren’t relevant to the job, even if you think they give you some special insight or advantage.

10. Don’t Use Only Free Job Boards

Free job boards are open to anyone on the internet, and the jobs that are posted there often get a huge volume of resumes, many unqualified. For this reason, many employers choose to use subscription based job boards, because the candidate quality is so much better. Don’t miss out on these jobs in the hidden job market. Try using a paid job board like Doostang.com, and see how much better the job quality is.

Unfortunately, there is a myriad of ways to get distracted and waste time in the search for your next job. Just remember how important your time and ability to focus are, and try to avoid the above productivity drains.

Manage your job search just as you would a well-organized project and you will be able to place yourself in a new position! By meeting milestones you will feel more in control of your job search.

1. Identify Target Companies

Use traditional and Internet strategies to identify companies of interest. Network with professional and community organizations to gather information about potential openings, new projects, and names of key personnel. The hiring manager may be the gatekeeper, but isn’t the only contact who may be helpful in the organization. Use Internet sites to expand beyond your geographic area and get a sense of the current market for positions of interest to you.

2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

Apply the research gathered about companies, key personnel, and positions to revise your resume and cover letter for each position if possible. Although this may sound daunting, a complete overhaul is not required for each position. Emphasize skills and accomplishments in your resume that align with corporate needs. A slight adjustment may be all that is necessary to present yourself as the perfect candidate. Don’t rely on references to float your resume to the top of the pile. The cover letter and resume must stand on the merits of your experience, skills, and potential for contributions to the company’s bottom-line.

3. Follow-up

When you follow up, remember to use a number of different strategies. Traditional thank-you letters and e-mails can both be appropriate. When managing group interview situations, you may prefer to use email and a brief phone message to keep your name and credentials fresh in the mind of each interviewer. You will also want to follow up with the initial contact person for your cover letter. That individual may become an important point-person in keeping you apprised of the interview process and keeping your name at the top of the list!

4. Keep Going

Even after the interview, keep in contact with your network and maintain your job search efforts. Part of the challenge in current job searches is how protracted the process has become in a tight job market. Think of the process as a marathon and pace yourself. Rejuvenate yourself to keep up a positive energy.

5. Maintain Good Records

Set up an organizational system to record your progress and include all the details! Keeping a comprehensive record of all names, dates of contacts, and outcome will prevent following up with the same person twice when you did not plan to do so. The record can also give you a sense of accomplishment and control as you monitor milestones in your job search project. Good organization leads to good results and helps you present a positive image in all your contacts.

Monitor job search milestones just as you would for a complex project. Exercising those skills keeps you on your game and moves you toward a new position. Use the milestones to maintain your focus and a positive energy to stay on track to a timely delivery in your job search project!

Doostang has thousands of highly sought after positions at companies like Google, Goldman Sachs, Bain Capital, Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts, Summit Partners, Time Warner, Facebook, and more. Looking to get ahead in your job search? Be the first to apply to these exceptional NEW jobs just posted on Doostang.

When asked about their networking strategies, many people will talk about attending happy hours or industry-specific mixers in order to make contacts. Or they’ll mention that they’ve reached out to family, friends, and old classmates to help them track down job leads. But there are a few important networking opportunities that job seekers often miss, either because they feel these might be too awkward to use, or because they simply don’t think of these in the first place. Here are 3 opportunities for networking that every job seeker should consider:

The Company Website

Nothing like going straight to the source. As many well know, the best way to secure a job is to know someone on the inside. You may have sent out hundreds of resumes in response to online postings, but heard nothing. Indeed, this isn’t all that unusual, as many of these positions have already been filled, or the hiring manager might have received thousands of responses. Instead, try tracking down a few names and email addresses on the company website, and establish a rapport with someone. Try to ask a specific question about the job you’re interested in, and ask that person to refer you to the individual in charge of hiring for that position – that is, the person who will be making the decision regarding the job, not the HR department. If there isn’t a position to be filled at the moment, at least you’ll be among the first to know when one opens up.

Professional Networking Sites

Don’t be afraid to hit up your LinkedIn network. Conduct a search based on companies you are interested in, and reach out to people who come up. People place their profiles on these websites to network, so don’t hesitate to do just that. Browse through your connections’ contacts as well, and see if there is anyone you can talk to. The worst someone can do is ignore you or tell you they’re not interested in speaking, in which case you’ve lost nothing. Follow the advice from above, and start engaging people from your extended network in conversations.

The Guy on the Street

You never know whom you might meet when you start a conversation with a friendly stranger – and you never know whom they might know. Disregard what your mother told you and talk to everyone! The guy serving you coffee, the lady cutting your hair, people in line at the post office – the individuals around you every day, especially the ones in the service industry who interact with a lot of people already, know others who just might help you land your next job. Don’t be a pest, but don’t hesitate to bring up your job search if the moment is right.

It’s important to continually remind yourself of the importance of networking when trying to secure your next job. Bear in mind, too, that when you start networking in new and creative ways, you’re bound to see some great results!

Doostang has thousands of highly sought after positions at companies like Google, Goldman Sachs, Bain Capital, Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts, Summit Partners, Time Warner, Facebook, and more. Looking to get ahead in your job search? Be the first to apply to these exceptional NEW jobs just posted on Doostang.

Aki

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN – ROSS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, 2007ASSOCIATE – OPENVIEW VENTURE PARTNERS

“I left a position in consulting in June 2010 to move into buy-side investing: I wanted to work in either private equity or venture capital. This was an extremely difficult undertaking, especially recruiting ‘off-cycle’ in a down economy, but I was confident that I could pull through.

Within a month of my departure from consulting, I came across a private equity internship through Doostang. Thinking that this was the perfect opportunity, I applied… and got the internship!

While working at my internship, I continued to search for full-time jobs and applied on a weekly basis. I used every resource available to me: multiple headhunters, trade publications (Private Equity Digest, PEHub), career search engines (Indeed, E-Financial Careers) and, of course, Doostang.

Four months into my search, I came across the perfect opportunity in venture capital… again through Doostang! I interviewed and got the job within a week.

Now, I’m looking forward to starting my dream job — and it wouldn’t have been possible without Doostang.